Mustang Tiji Festival Trek

Activity
Geography
Mountain/Forest/Village
Attraction
Location
Mustang
Trip Grade
Level Of Difficulty
Moderate
Lodging Level
Duration
18 Days
Max Altitude
Max Aaltitude
4280m
Max Altitude
Religion
Hindu/Buddhist

Detail Information

Mustang Tiji Festival Trek Highlights:

  • Experiencing the unique culture and tradition of the Thakali and Tibetan ethnic communities
  • Visit Namgyal Gompa and Ghar Gompa along the trek
  • Enchanting views of the Annapurna range and Nilgiri (7061m)
  • Participate in one of the most esteemed festivals of Upper Mustang, the Tiji Festival

Mustang Tiji Festival Trek is a unique trekking experience that offers a cultural and traditional celebration of the Tiji Festival in Upper Mustang. Along with the breathtaking mountain views and barren landscapes of this region, you can be familiar with its ancient rituals and cultures.

The Tiji Festival Trek explores the historically and culturally majestic Lo Manthang, where the final celebrations of the festival itself are done. The magnificent affair with the local culture and prevailing rituals help make a glorious travel experience in Nepal. 

Getting There 

Your arrival in Kathmandu is marked by an official procedure to obtain the restricted area permit for Upper Mustang. A scenic drive from Kathmandu through the town of Muglin and Dumre takes you to the beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara.

From Pokhara, you take a short flight to Jomsom followed by a trek to Kagbeni with the company of Annapurna range and Nilgiri (7061m). Thereon, you enter the Upper Mustang region and begin traversing along with the arid lands.

Similarly, crossing the settlements such as Chele, Shyangbochen, and Dhakmar, you reach Lo Manthang, the ancient capital of Mustang. At Lo Manthang, you enjoy the celebration of the Tiji Festival for three days.

As you participate in the festival, the first day includes dances depicting the evil deeds of the demons. The second day also begins with various rituals and dances. It tells the story of the birth of Dorje Jono, an ancient hero who banished evil from Earth. On the final day, the monks and their rituals celebrate the victory of Dorje Jono.

The rituals are also said to spread thoughts of peace and happiness worldwide. At the end of the celebration, following the same trail, you trek back to Jomsom and take a flight to Pokhara. Upper Mustang lies in the rain shadow region of the Dhaulagiri massif. Therefore, the trek can be done throughout the year.

 

Mustang Tiji Festival Trek by Nepal Alibaba Trek is the best trekking adventure. It offers you the best transportation and accommodation services. Along with a great team of professional staff, we make sure that your journey in Nepal will be one to remember for years to come.

Itinerary Summary

Day Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu

Today, you will land at Tribhuvan International Airport. After you arrival, one of our staff member will receive you and transfer you to your respective hotel. Later, you can explore around the city on your own. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Travelers will require a special restricted permit to enter Mustang region. You will procure the necessary documents and, if time permits, you can also participate in a sightseeing tour around the Kathmandu Valley. With the company of a local guide, you can explore the sites enlisted as UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Pashupatinath, Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, and Kathmandu Durbar Square. Enjoy traditional Nepali dishes or observe cultural dances as you conclude an eventful day. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Starting your drive from Kathmandu, you continue your journey along with a stunning view of green hills and small settlements. Once at Muglin, you stop for a quick lunch. Along the way, Trishuli River will keep you company. Crossing small town of Dumre, you finally reach Pokhara from where you get a distant view of Annapurna ranges. The city also offers grand view of the Mt. Machhapuchhre (6997m) and offers plenty of sites to explore. Overnight stay in Pokhara.
Today, you take a flight to Jomsom from Pokhara. The scenic flight offers scenic views of the green hills and snow-capped mountains. Once at Jomsom, our real trek begins as we continue our walk along the Kali Gandaki River to reach a flat valley. Along the way, you can relish majestic views of Annapurna and Nilgiri ranges. Crossing several small hamlets and rugged paths, you reach Kagbeni. Overnight stay in Kagbeni.
Alongside the bank of Kali Gandaki River, you officially enter Upper Mustang and trek along the barren landscapes. After a steep climb to the top of the ridge, you reach Tangbe. From here, you march towards the settlement of Chhuksang leaving Kali Gandaki Valley behind. Enjoying the Tibetan traditions along small settlements on the trek, you reach the settlement of Chele. Overnight stay in Chele.
From Chele, you continue your trek towards Shyangbochen. The trail inclines as you cross the Taklam La Pass (3624m) and Dajori La Pass (3735m). Upon reaching Samar village, you stop for a quick photographs along with a stunning view of Annapurna range at the background. Finally, crossing Chungsi Cave, you ascend towards the settlement of Shyangbochen. Overnight stay at the guesthouse in Shyangbochen.
On the 7th day, you march towards Dhakmar. In the early first hour, you cross the Yamta and Tama rivers to reach Geling. From here, you take a steep ascent to the top of the ridge which takes you to Nyi La Pass at 4010m. Once at the top, you get a breathtaking view of Himalayas and surroundings. Following a narrow stony paths, you now march towards the beautiful settlement of Dhakmar. Overnight stay in Dhakmar.
Leaving Dhakmar behind, you continue your journey walking past the several Tibetan villages. Along the way, Chortens and Mani walls will offer interesting detours and explorations. A quick descent takes you to Ghar Gompa which is the oldest mastery in the entire Upper Mustang region. The monastery is believed to have scriptures and artifacts belonging to the times of the Padmasanbhava. From Ghar Gompa, you trek further north, you reach Lo Manthang. Overnight stay in Lo Manthang.
The first day of Tiji festival starts with lots of celebration and excitement. An ancient dance called “Tsa Chham” is performed on the first day. Horse racing, a giant tug of war along with sacred chanting of Lamas, and masked dances are the major attractions on the first day of the festival. This ancient dance represents the evil doings of the demons that thrived in the absence of good. You also witness Tibetan women in their clothes, beautiful Thangka decorations, and monks in their robes. Overnight stay in Lo Manthang
On the second day, “Nga Chham” is performed which means the birth of Dorje Jono, a mythical hero who defeated the demons. A traditional dance of Tibetan Lamas is performed. It is believed that such dance will chase the evil spirits away from the world. The rituals begin from the ancient royal palace and head on o the public sphere where all the onlookers can witness the event. The dancers slash swords and represent the battle between good and evil. After the ceremony for the day ends, you can explore around the Lo Manthang and witness the lifestyle of the residents. Overnight stay in Lo Manthang.
Today is the last day of Tiji Festival. On the final day, the ceremonial destruction of evil is done by setting out demons in old tiger skin and attacking them with bow and arrow. It is believed that after the completion of this ceremony, the demons will return back to Buddha’s realm. This concludes the festival and the rituals practiced on the span of three days are said to spread peace and happiness around the world. You can also visit the Namgyal Gompa, a religious symbol of Lo Manthang. Overnight stay in Lo Manthang.
Leaving Lo Manthang behind, you start your trek towards Ghami. Following the barren landscapes, you ascend through the trading route. After a steep climb to the top of the ridge, you reach Chogo La Pass at 4280m. From here, crossing small streams, waterfalls and arid landscapes, you reach plain valley near Ghar Gompa which finally leads the way towards the settlement of Ghami. Overnight stay in Ghami.
Early in the morning, you start your trek with a gentle climb to the top of the ridge and finally reach Nyi La at 4010m. Along the way, you walk past several Tibetan villages and farmlands enjoying glorious views of snow-capped mountains and barren hills. After a short break at Shyangbochen, you make a quick descent towards the beautiful village of Samar. Overnight stay in Samar.
From Samar, you first descend to the village of Chele. Alongside the bank of Kali Gandaki River, you trek through the dry landscapes before reaching Chhusang. As the Tibetan monasteries wave goodbye, you head to Tangbe. This Gurung Village welcomes you with a peculiar display of black, white, and red chortens. Finally, crossing the settlement of Tirigaon, you reach Kagbeni. Overnight stay in Kagbeni.
Soon after breakfast, you immediately start your trek towards Jomsom. Today you mostly trek through dry landscapes. The trail gives you the pleasure of experiencing the greenery and sublime mountain views of this region. Once you reach Ekle Bhatti, you slowly descend along the rusty and zigzag paths. Finally, a beautiful settlement of Jomsom welcomes you with open arms. The windy town is also famous for offering apple products and apple-derived alcohol ‘Marpha’ to its visitors. Overnight stay in Jomsom.
From Jomsom, you take a short flight to Pokhara. It is a scenic flight above the snow-capped mountains and green hills. Once at Pokhara, you can spend the day visiting Mahendra Cave, Davis Falls, and lake side. In the evening, you can also enjoy a sublime view of Mt. Machhapuchhre (6997m) and Annapurna I (8091m) as you boat on the Phewa Lake. Night life is another main attraction of Pokhara. Overnight stay in Pokhara.
Leaving beautiful lakeside city of Pokhara, you take a drive back to Kathmandu. Passing through the small town of Dumre and Muglin, the drive will take you through the green hills and valleys along with Trishuli River. Once at Naubise, you stop for a quick lunch. From here, you head to Thankot which finally leads the way into Kathmandu. Once at the capital, you can roam around Thamel area and buy souvenirs. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.
Today is your final day. We’ll drop you off two hours prior to your scheduled flight. You can even share your experience with us on the way to airport. Goodbye!

Costs Includes and Excludes

Cost Includes

  • All Airports/Hotel transfers by private vehicle.
  • Accommodation in 3 stars category Hotels in Kathmandu and in Pokhara with Breakfast.
  • Accommodation in Tea Houses or Local Lodges or Local Hotels on twin sharing basis during your trekking days.
  • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) during your trekking days.
  • Permit fees for National Parks and Conservation Area entry as well as Trekkers Management Information Service (TIMS) Permit. Visit: http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/about-trekking-permit
  • All government officials and authorization necessary fees for your travel purpose.
  • Local tourist guide (according to your need) and Local Porter during your treks: – 1 Porter for 2 Tourists.
  • All your travel and rescue arrangements. (during any emergencies)
  • First Aid Kits and Medical supplies.
  • Welcome or Farewell dinner programs.

Cost Excludes

  • Nepal entry Visa fee and charges in Tribhuwan International Airport (TIA), Kathmandu. Visit http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa
  • International Air Fare to and from Kathmandu, Nepal.
  • Extra Night accommodation and meals during your early arrival, late departure as well as any domestic flight delays (due to any specified reasons) especially in Everest Region than the scheduled itinerary.
  • Extra luggage charges.
  • Other any your personal expenses like phone calls, laundry, alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks, extra porters, bottled/boiled waters, hot shower, etc.
  • Other food items than normal meals as specified.
  • All your travel and rescue insurance in emergency situations.
  • Personal buying and souvenirs.
  • Tips during your hotels and restaurant visit.
  • To purchase or rent any type of equipment or gears for personal use.
  • To purchase special medicines and kits.

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Price from USD$2100 Duration: 18 Days
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